JP2001324652A - Device and method for grinding connecting end face of optical connector - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To reduce production time of optical connectors and to improve their quality. SOLUTION: An optical connector supporting means 14 for supporting an optical connector 1 to be ground is combined, by a positioning pin 23, with a dummy ferrule supporting means 22 for supporting a dummy ferrule 13. As a result, the connecting end face 2a of a ferrule 2 of the optical connector 1 is placed, through a grinding material 17, opposite to the connecting end face 13a of the dummy ferrule 13, with aligning thereby performed between the connecting end face of the optical fiber of the optical connector 1 and the optical fiber inserting hole of the dummy ferrule 13. In this state, the dummy ferrule 13 is vibrated by a vibrating means 12, varying the spacing between the connecting end face 2a of the ferrule 2 and the face 13a of the dummy ferrule 13, and grinding the connecting end face 2a of the ferrule 2. Almost no grinding is performed on the connecting end face of the optical fiber of the optical connector 1, so that the optical fiber is projected from the connecting end face 2a of the ferrule 2 by a prescribed length in a short time.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a polishing apparatus and a polishing method for an optical connector connection end face for polishing the connection end face of a ferrule of an optical connector so that the distal end side of an optical fiber projects beyond the connection end face. is there.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art FIG. 9A is a perspective view schematically showing an example of an optical connector, and FIG. 9B is a cross-sectional view of the optical connector shown in FIG. It is shown.
The optical connector 1 shown in FIGS. 9A and 9B has a ferrule 2, and an optical fiber insertion hole 3 and a pin fitting hole 4 are provided inside the ferrule 2 from the connection end face 2 a to the rear side. It is formed by hooking. The distal end of the optical fiber 5 is inserted into the optical fiber insertion hole 3 from the back side of the ferrule 2, and the distal end of the optical fiber 5 is fixed to the ferrule 2 by an adhesive or the like. FIG. 9A,
In the example shown in (b), the distal end side of the optical fiber 5 that is exposed by removing the coating on the distal end side of the optical fiber ribbon 6 is inserted into the optical fiber insertion hole 3 of the ferrule 2.

The connection end face 2a of the ferrule 2 of the optical connector 1 and the connection end face 2a of the ferrule 2 of the optical connector 1 having a similar configuration are brought into contact with each other. The optical fiber 5 and the optical fiber 5 to be connected can be connected by fitting the guide pin across the 4.

In the optical connector 1 shown in FIGS. 9A and 9B, an optical fiber 5 is connected to a physical connector (PC).
ct) for connection, the connection end face 5a of the optical fiber 5 protrudes from the connection end face 2a of the ferrule 2 by, for example, 1 μm. The PC connection is a method of physically directly connecting optical fibers without using a connection matching agent or the like.

In the manufacturing process of the optical connector 1 for PC connection, the connecting end face 5a of the optical fiber 5 is projected from the connecting end face 2a of the ferrule 2 so that the ferrule 2 of the optical connector 1 is The connection end face 2a is polished.

For example, as shown in FIG. 11, a polishing table 9 containing a slurry-like lapping liquid 8 containing alumina is prepared, and the connection end face 5a of the optical fiber 5 is almost aligned with the connection end face of the ferrule 2. The connection end face 2a of the ferrule 2 is pressed against the lapping liquid 8 to polish the connection end face 2a of the ferrule 2. Since the ferrule 2 is formed of a material softer than the optical fiber 5, the ferrule 2 is polished more than the optical fiber 5 due to the difference in the material of the ferrule 2 and the optical fiber 5, and the connection end face of the ferrule 2 is polished. Optical fiber 5 than 2a
Can protrude the connection end face 5a.

[0007]

However, the material of the ferrule 2 is, for example, a glass ferrule and a resin of eight.
It is a mixed material mixed at a ratio of 2: 2, and the hardness difference between the optical fiber 5 formed of quartz glass or the like and the ferrule 2 is not so large. Therefore, it takes a very long time for the connection end face 5a of the optical fiber 5 to protrude by 1 μm from the connection end face 2a of the ferrule 2 by the above polishing method.

In addition, even if it takes a very long time, the connection end face 5a of the optical fiber 5 can protrude from the connection end face 2a of the ferrule 2 by a very small length of 1 μm. In the production of the optical connector 1, the protruding length of the optical fiber 5 is substantially very short, and it is difficult to guarantee a good quality PC connection due to the slight protruding of the optical fiber 5. There is.

Therefore, the present applicant has proposed a polishing apparatus as shown in FIG. Polishing apparatus 1 shown in FIG.
1 includes a vibration unit 12, a dummy ferrule 13 as a polishing auxiliary member, an optical connector supporting unit 14 for supporting the optical connector 1, a spring 15, and a stopper 16.

In FIG. 10, the optical connector 1 to be polished is supported and fixed to the optical connector supporting means 14. As described above, the end face 13 a of the dummy ferrule 13 is provided to face the connection end face 2 a of the ferrule 2 of the optical connector 1 supported by the optical connector support means 14 via the abrasive 17. The dummy ferrule 13 has the same configuration as the ferrule 2 to be polished. The dummy ferrule 13 is provided with an optical fiber insertion hole (not shown) and a pin fitting hole 18.

As shown in FIG. 10, a pin fitting hole 4 of the ferrule 2 and a pin fitting hole 18 of the dummy ferrule 13 are provided.
The guide pin 20 is bridged and fitted, and the ferrule 2 of the optical connector 1 and the dummy ferrule 13 are aligned. By this alignment, the connection end face 5a of the optical fiber 5 of the ferrule 2 is formed. And the optical fiber insertion hole of the dummy ferrule 13 are arranged to face each other.
A biased spring 15 is interposed between the optical connector supporting means 14 and the optical connector 16.
By 5, a pushing force is applied to the optical connector supporting means 14 and the optical connector supporting means 14 is held.

As described above, when the ferrule 2 of the optical connector 1 and the dummy ferrule 13 abut against each other with the abrasive 17 interposed therebetween, the vibration means 12 causes the dummy ferrule 13 to vibrate in the direction indicated by the arrow in FIG. Add
The dummy ferrule 13 is a connection end face 2 of the ferrule 2.
a and the end face 13a of the dummy ferrule 13 relatively oscillates in a direction in which the distance changes. Accordingly, the abrasive 17 vibrates in the same direction as the vibration direction of the dummy ferrule 13 and collides with the connection end face 2a of the ferrule 2 of the optical connector 1, whereby the connection end face 2a of the ferrule 2 is polished.

At this time, the optical fiber 5 of the optical connector 1 is used.
The dummy ferrule 1 is located at a position facing the connection end face 5a of the
Since the optical fiber insertion hole of the dummy ferrule 13 is located opposite to the connection end face 5a of the optical fiber 5 and the optical fiber insertion hole of the dummy ferrule 13, , The polishing pressure is not applied, and the connection end face 5a of the optical fiber 5
Will not collide. As a result, the connection end surface 5a of the optical fiber 5 is not polished, and the connection end surface 2a of the ferrule 2 is not polished.
Only a will be polished.

For this reason, by using the polishing apparatus 11 shown in FIG. 10, the connection end face 5a of the optical fiber 5 can be connected to the ferrule 2 of the optical connector 1 in a much shorter time than the conventional polishing method. It can protrude from the end face 2a. In addition, it is possible to shorten the length of the optical fiber 5 to be protruded in a short time, and it is possible to control the length of the optical fiber 5 by adjusting the driving time of the vibrating means 12. Become.

However, in the polishing apparatus 11 of this proposal, as described above, the ferrule 2 and the dummy ferrule 13
Since the optical connector 1 and the dummy ferrule 13 are aligned using the respective pin fitting holes 4 and 18 and the guide pins 20, the pin fitting holes 4 of the ferrule 2 are used.
When the abrasive 17 enters the gap between the guide pin 20 and the vibration member 12 as described above, the vibration is applied to the pin fitting hole 4 via the abrasive 17 and the guide pin 20. Rubbing, the pin fitting hole 4 is polished, and the diameter of the pin fitting hole 4 may increase.

As described above, when the pin fitting hole 4 becomes large, when the optical fiber 5 is connected to the PC, the guide pin rattles in the pin fitting hole 4 and the optical fiber 5 is connected to the optical fiber 5. The positional deviation from the optical fiber 5 of the connection partner occurs,
There is a problem that light loss increases.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention has been made to solve the above-mentioned problems, and an object of the present invention is to provide an optical fiber that allows a connection end face of an optical fiber to protrude from a connection end face of a ferrule to enable good PC connection of the optical fiber. An object of the present invention is to provide a polishing apparatus and a polishing method for an optical connector connection end face capable of manufacturing a connector.

[0018]

Means for Solving the Problems In order to achieve the above object, the present invention has the following structure to solve the above problems. That is, the polishing apparatus for an optical connector connection end face of the present invention is a polishing apparatus for polishing the connection end face of a ferrule of an optical connector so that the connection end face side of an optical fiber inserted through the ferrule projects beyond the connection end face of the ferrule. And an optical connector supporting means for supporting the optical connector; and a polishing auxiliary member having a polishing auxiliary surface opposed to a connection end face of a ferrule of the optical connector supported by the optical connector supporting means via an abrasive. And a polishing auxiliary member supporting means for supporting the polishing auxiliary member; and a polishing auxiliary surface of the polishing auxiliary member has a connection end surface side of the optical fiber at a position facing the connection end surface of the optical fiber of the optical connector. A concave portion to be fitted is formed, and a connection end face of the optical fiber of the optical connector is formed by combining the optical connector supporting means and the polishing auxiliary member supporting means. Positioning means for performing positioning with the concave portion of the polishing auxiliary surface of the polishing auxiliary member is provided in a region avoiding a butt region between the optical connector and the polishing auxiliary member. The above object is achieved by a configuration in which the polishing auxiliary member supporting means is combined so as to be relatively movable in a direction in which the distance between the polishing auxiliary surface of the polishing auxiliary member and the connection end surface of the ferrule of the optical connector changes. Means.

The method for polishing an optical connector connection end face according to the present invention is a method for polishing an optical connector connection end face using the above-described optical connector connection end face polishing apparatus, wherein the positioning of the optical connector connection end face polishing apparatus is performed. By combining the optical connector supporting means and the polishing auxiliary member supporting means, the connection end face of the ferrule of the optical connector supported by the optical connector supporting means and the polishing auxiliary member supported by the polishing auxiliary member supporting means The polishing auxiliary surface of the optical connector and the concave portion of the polishing auxiliary surface of the polishing auxiliary member are aligned by opposing the polishing auxiliary surface via an abrasive material, and then, the optical connector and At least one of the polishing auxiliary members is relatively moved in a direction in which the distance between the polishing auxiliary surface of the polishing auxiliary member and the connection end surface of the ferrule of the optical connector changes widely. It is configured as characterized by protruding the distal end side of the optical fiber than the connecting end face is polished by abrasive connection end face of the ferrule of the optical connector Te.

In the invention having the above-described structure, the positioning means is provided in a region other than a region where the optical connector and the polishing auxiliary member abut. For this reason, at least one of the optical connector and the polishing auxiliary member is relatively moved in a direction in which the distance between the polishing auxiliary surface of the polishing auxiliary member and the connection end surface of the ferrule of the optical connector changes widely to polish the connection end surface of the ferrule of the optical connector. When polishing with a material, only the connection end face of the ferrule can be polished, and the problem of the proposed example, that is, the problem of polishing an extra portion other than the connection end face of the ferrule, for example, a pin fitting hole is also polished. Can be prevented. As a result, it is possible to avoid a problem of an increase in light loss due to an increase in the diameter of the pin fitting hole.

[0021]

Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings.

FIG. 1 is a side view schematically showing a polishing apparatus for a connection end face of an optical connector according to a first embodiment.
FIG. 2 schematically shows a state where the polishing apparatus shown in FIG. 1 is viewed from the bottom side. In the description of the first embodiment, the same reference numerals are given to the same parts as those in the above-mentioned proposal example, and the overlapping description of the common parts is omitted.

The polishing apparatus 11 shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 has a structure for polishing the connection end face 2a of the ferrule 2 of the optical connector 1 by a mechanism similar to that of the above-mentioned proposal.
There is provided a positioning mechanism for positioning the optical connector 1 and the dummy ferrule 13 as a polishing auxiliary member, which is unique to the first embodiment, for solving the problem of the above-mentioned proposal.

That is, the polishing apparatus 11 shown in the first embodiment comprises a vibration unit 12 and a dummy ferrule 13.
, Optical connector support means (column) 14, and spring 15
, A stopper 16, a dummy ferrule supporting means (column) 22 which is a polishing auxiliary member supporting means, and a positioning pin 23.

As shown in FIG. 2, the plate-shaped dummy ferrule support means 22 has a positioning pin through hole 25, a pin through hole 26, a vibration means through groove 27, and a fixing screw hole 28 as shown in FIG. Penetration is formed from the bottom side to the top side as shown. One end of a pin 30 shown in FIG. 1 is fitted into the pin through hole 26 of the dummy ferrule support means 22, and the other end of the pin 30 is connected to the pin fitting hole 1 of the dummy ferrule 13.
8, the pins 30, the pin fitting holes 18 of the dummy ferrule 13, and the pin through holes 2 of the dummy ferrule support means 22.
6, the dummy ferrule 13 is positioned and supported by the dummy ferrule support means 22.

In the first embodiment, for example, the diameter φ of the pin fitting hole 18 of the dummy ferrule 13 shown in FIG.
Is about 0.700 mm, while the diameter φ of the pin 30 is about 0.695 mm, and the difference is about 5 μm. The pin fitting hole 18 of the dummy ferrule 13 and the pin 30 The structure is such that sliding movement is easy.

The dummy ferrule support means 22
The leading end side of the vibrating means 12 is introduced into the vibrating means penetrating groove 27, and the leading end of the vibrating means 12 is
Is abutted on the back. The vibrating means 12 applies, for example, ultrasonic waves to the dummy ferrule 13 so that the dummy ferrule 1
3 is configured to vibrate in the direction of arrow A in FIG. When the dummy ferrule 13 is vibrated by the vibration means 12, the dummy ferrule 13 slides relative to the pin 30.

As shown in FIG. 1, the optical connector supporting means 14 has a flat base 14a and a plurality of uprights standing from the edge of the base 14a so as to sandwich the support area of the optical connector 1. 14b.
It is shaped like a letter. Such an optical connector supporting means 1
A tape through hole 31 and a pin insertion concave portion 32 are formed in the base portion 14a of No. 4. A positioning pin through hole 33 is formed in the upright portion 14b so as to extend from the top side to the bottom side in FIG. 1, and a fixing screw hole 28 of the dummy ferrule support means 22 is formed at the bottom side of the upright portion 14b. A screw hole (not shown) is formed in communication with the screw hole.

One end of the pin 34 shown in FIG. 1 is fitted into the pin insertion recess 32 of the optical connector supporting means 14, and the other end of the pin 34 is connected to the ferrule 2 of the optical connector 1 from the rear side of the ferrule 2. The optical connector 1 is supported and fixed by the optical connector supporting means 14 by fitting the pin fitting hole 4. For example, the diameter φ of the pin fitting hole 4 of the ferrule 2 is about 0.700 mm, while the diameter φ of the pin 34 is
Is about 0.6995 mm, the difference is very small, about 0.5 μm, and the pin 34 is fitted into the pin fitting hole 4 of the ferrule 2 with little rattling, and The ferrule 2 of the connector 1 is configured to be fixed to the optical connector supporting means 14.

The optical connector supporting means 1 as described above
When the optical connector 1 is supported and fixed to the optical connector 4, the optical fiber ribbon 6 connected to the optical connector 1 is pulled out to a predetermined place through the tape through hole 31 of the optical connector supporting means 14. Have been.

The positioning pin through hole 33 of the optical connector supporting means 14 and the positioning pin through hole 25 of the dummy ferrule supporting means 22 are aligned with each other, and the positioning pin through holes 25 and 33 have, for example, positioning pins 23 having a diameter of 2 mm. Has been inserted. As described above, by inserting the positioning pins 23 into the positioning pin through holes 25 and 33, the connection end face 2a of the ferrule 2 of the optical connector 1 supported by the optical connector supporting means 14 as described above,
The connection end surface 5a of the optical fiber 5 of the optical connector 1 is disposed so as to face the connection end surface 13a which is a polishing auxiliary surface of the dummy ferrule 13 supported by the dummy ferrule support means 22.
The optical fiber insertion hole functioning as a concave portion of the dummy ferrule 13 is aligned with the optical fiber insertion hole.

In the first embodiment, the optical connector supporting means 14 is connected to the positioning pin through hole 25 of the dummy ferrule supporting means 22, the positioning pin through hole 33 of the optical connector supporting means 14, and the positioning pin 23. By combining the dummy ferrule support means 22, the position of the connection end face 5a of the optical fiber 5 of the optical connector 1 supported by the optical connector support means 14 and the optical fiber insertion hole of the dummy ferrule 13 supported by the dummy ferrule support means 22 Positioning means for performing the alignment is configured.

As described above, in the state where the optical connector 1 side and the dummy ferrule 13 side are aligned, the fixing screw hole 28 of the dummy ferrule support means 22 and the screw hole of the optical connector support means 14 are inserted. A fixing screw (for example, M3 screw) 35 is screwed toward the
Optical connector supporting means 14 and dummy ferrule supporting means 2
2 is integrally fixed.

As described above, the integrated optical connector supporting means 14 and the dummy ferrule supporting means 22 have the structure shown in FIG.
As shown in FIG.
Is applied and held.

Hereinafter, the polishing apparatus 1 of the first embodiment will be described.
End face 2 of ferrule 2 of optical connector 1 utilizing optical connector 1
An example of one embodiment of the polishing technique a is shown. For example, first, the protruding tip side of the pin 34 fitted into the pin insertion recess 32 of the optical connector supporting means 14 is inserted and fitted into the pin fitting hole 4 of the ferrule 2 of the optical connector 1 to be polished. The optical connector 1 is supported and fixed to the optical connector supporting means 14.

The pin fitting hole 18 of the dummy ferrule 13 and the pin through hole 2 of the dummy ferrule supporting means 22
Dummy ferrule support means 2 using the pin 6 and the pin 30
2a, the connection end face 13a of the dummy ferrule 13 supported by
The optical connector support means 14 and the dummy ferrule support means 22 are arranged to face each other such that the connection end face 2a of the ferrule 2 of the optical connector 1 supported by the optical connector support means 14 faces. Next, the positioning pins 23 are inserted from the positioning pin through holes 33 of the optical connector supporting means 14 toward the positioning pin through holes 25 of the dummy ferrule supporting means 22, and the optical connector supporting means 14 and the dummy ferrule supporting means 22 are inserted. Combine.

An abrasive 17 is supplied between the connection end surfaces 2a, 13a of the ferrule 2 and the dummy ferrule 13. Examples of the abrasive 17 include ceramics such as diamond abrasive grains (for example, a particle diameter of 3 μm), alumina, and zirconia. Further, the optical connector supporting means 14 and the dummy ferrule supporting means 22 are integrated by screwing a fixing screw 35 from the fixing screw hole 28 side of the dummy ferrule supporting means 22 toward the screw hole of the optical connector supporting means 14. I do.

By the combination of the optical connector supporting means 14 and the dummy ferrule supporting means 22 with the positioning pins 23, the connecting end face 2a of the ferrule 2 of the optical connector 1 and the connecting end face 13a of the dummy ferrule 13 are brought into abutment with each other. The connection end surface 5a of the optical fiber 5 of the connector 1 is aligned with the optical fiber insertion hole of the dummy ferrule 13.

As described above, the optical connector supporting means 14 and the dummy ferrule supporting means 22 are combined to position the optical connector 1 and the dummy ferrule 13, and the distal end of the vibration means 12 is connected to the dummy ferrule 1.
3, the optical connector supporting means 14 has a spring 1
5 is applied to the dummy ferrule 13 by, for example, 20 kHz by the vibrating means 12.
Is applied, the dummy ferrule 13 vibrates in the vertical direction in FIG. 1, that is, the direction in which the distance between the ferrule 2 of the optical connector 1 and the connection end surfaces 2a, 13a of the dummy ferrule 13 changes widely.

The vibration of the dummy ferrule 13 causes the abrasive 17 between the connection end faces 2a, 13a of the ferrule 2 and the dummy ferrule 13 to vibrate similarly to the above-mentioned proposed example, whereby the connection end face 2a of the ferrule 2 is moved. Polished by the abrasive 17. At this time, as described in the above-mentioned proposal example, since the optical fiber insertion hole of the dummy ferrule 13 is arranged at a position facing the connection end face 5a of the optical fiber 5, the connection end face 5a of the optical fiber 5 is The abrasive 17 in the region of the ferrule 13 facing the optical fiber insertion hole falls into the optical fiber insertion hole of the dummy ferrule 13, and the abrasive 17 does not collide with the connection end face 5 a of the optical fiber 5. Thereby, the optical fiber 5
The connection end face 5a is not polished, only the connection end face 2a of the ferrule 2 is polished, and the optical fiber 5 protrudes.

By adjusting the driving time and the like of the vibrating means 12, a desired projection length of the optical fiber 5 can be easily and reliably obtained.

According to the first embodiment, the connection end face 2a of the ferrule 2 of the optical connector 1 is similar to the above-mentioned proposal.
And the connection end face 13a of the dummy ferrule 13 are abutted via the abrasive 17 and the connection end face 5a of the optical fiber 5 of the optical connector 1 is aligned with the optical fiber insertion hole of the dummy ferrule 13. Then, the ferrule 2 and the dummy ferrule 13 are
By changing the distance between the connection end faces 2a and 13a, the abrasive 17 is vibrated so that only the connection end face 2a of the ferrule 2 is polished. This allows
As in the case of the above-mentioned proposal, the polishing for projecting the connection end face 5a of the optical fiber 5 from the connection end face 2a of the ferrule 2 by a desired length can be performed simply and in a very short time. In addition, it is easy to control the protruding length of the optical fiber 5.

In addition, in the first embodiment, the means for aligning the optical connector 1 and the dummy ferrule 13 is provided in a portion of the optical connector 1 other than the area where the ferrule 2 and the dummy ferrule 13 abut. So
The problem of the proposal example can be solved. That is,
In the proposed example, since the ferrule 2 and the dummy ferrule 13 are aligned using the pin fitting holes 4 and 18 of the ferrule 2 and the dummy ferrule 13 and the guide pins 20, the pin fitting holes of the ferrule 2 are adjusted. 4 and guide pin 2
The abrasive 17 enters the gap between the pin fitting hole 4 and the inner peripheral surface of the pin fitting hole 4 is polished by the abrasive 17 and the diameter of the pin fitting hole 4 increases. Due to this, the guide pin inserted in the pin fitting hole 4 can play at the time of connecting the optical fiber 5 to the PC, causing a positional displacement of the connection of the optical fiber 5 and increasing light loss. May have occurred.

On the other hand, in the first embodiment,
Ferrule 2 and dummy ferrule 1 of optical connector 1
Since the positioning means for the ferrule 2 and the dummy ferrule 13 is provided in an area avoiding the area where the ferrule 2 abuts, the guide pin is inserted into the pin fitting hole 4 when the connection end face 2a of the ferrule 2 is polished. Not done. This allows
The inner peripheral surface of the pin fitting hole 4 can be prevented from being polished, and the problem of the above-described proposal example caused by the polishing of the inner peripheral surface of the pin fitting hole 4 can be solved.

Very good results can be obtained by connecting the optical fiber 5 to the PC using the optical connector 1 manufactured by the polishing apparatus and the polishing method of the optical connector connection end face shown in the first embodiment. I got it.

Hereinafter, a second embodiment will be described. In the description of the second embodiment, the same reference numerals are given to the same components as those in the first embodiment, and the duplicated description of the common components is omitted.

FIG. 3 schematically shows a polishing apparatus 11 according to a second embodiment. In the second embodiment, an example in which the dummy ferrule 13 and the dummy ferrule supporting means 22 are integrally vibrated to polish the connection end face 2a of the ferrule 2 will be described.

In FIG. 3, the plate-shaped dummy ferrule support means 22 is provided with a pin through-hole 26 as in the first embodiment, and the pin through-hole 26 and the pin fitting of the dummy ferrule 13 are provided. By using the holes 18 and the pins 30, the dummy ferrule 13 is positioned and fixed to the dummy ferrule support means 22. A plurality of positioning pins 37 are formed in the edge region of the dummy ferrule support means 22 so as to protrude upward in FIG. 3 so as to sandwich the support region of the dummy ferrule 13. The vibration means 12 is in contact with the bottom surface of the dummy ferrule support means 22.

Further, as in the first embodiment, a pin insertion recess 32 and a tape insertion hole 31 are formed in the flat optical connector supporting means 14, so that the pin insertion recess 32 and the optical connector 1 are connected to each other. By using the pin fitting hole 4 and the pin 34 of the ferrule 2, the optical connector 1 is positioned and fixed to the optical connector supporting means 14, and the optical fiber ribbon 6 connected to the fixed optical connector 1 is provided.
Is pulled out to a predetermined place through the tape insertion hole 31.

Further, as shown in FIG. 3, a plurality of positioning pins 38 are formed in the edge region of the optical connector supporting means 14 so as to protrude downward so as to sandwich the supporting region of the optical connector 1. . The distal ends of these positioning pins 38 are respectively arranged opposite to the distal ends of the positioning pins 37 protruding from the dummy ferrule support means 22 with an interval therebetween. Are inserted through a common sleeve 40. The positioning pins 37 and 38 and the sleeve 40 are configured to be able to relatively slide and move.

As described above, by inserting the distal ends of the positioning pins 37 and 38 into the common sleeve 40, the optical connector supporting means 14 and the dummy ferrule supporting means 22 are combined, and the optical connector supporting means 14 Connection end face 2a of ferrule 2 of supported optical connector 1
And the connection end face 13a of the dummy ferrule 13 supported by the dummy ferrule support means 22 is arranged to face each other, and the alignment between the connection end face 5a of the optical fiber 5 of the optical connector 1 and the optical fiber insertion hole of the dummy ferrule 13 is performed. Is performed. That is, in the third embodiment, the positioning pins 37 and 38 and the sleeve 40 constitute a means for positioning the optical connector 1 and the dummy ferrule 13.

In the polishing apparatus 11 of the second embodiment having the above configuration, for example, the positioning pins 37 and 38 are used.
And the sleeve 40 combine the optical connector support means 14 and the dummy ferrule support means 22, thereby
The optical connector 1 to be polished and the dummy ferrule 13 are abutted to align the connection end face 5a of the optical fiber 5 of the optical connector 1 with the optical fiber insertion hole of the dummy ferrule 13, and the optical connector 1 and the dummy ferrule 13 are aligned. The abrasive 17 is supplied to the butted area of the ferrule 13, and the vibrating means 1 is provided on the bottom surface of the dummy ferrule supporting means 22.
In a state in which the dummy ferrule support 2 is in contact with the dummy ferrule support means 22, for example, ultrasonic waves are applied by the vibration means 12.

Thus, the dummy ferrule supporting means 2
3 and the dummy ferrule 13 integrally vibrate in the vertical direction in FIG. 3, and between the connection end face 2 a of the ferrule 2 of the optical connector 1 and the connection end face 13 a of the dummy ferrule 13, as in the first embodiment. The polishing material 17 vibrates, and only the connection end surface 2a of the ferrule 2 of the optical connector 1 is polished by the polishing material 17, so that the connection end surface 5
a is hardly polished. As a result, the optical fiber 5 can be made to protrude from the connection end face 2a of the ferrule 2 by a predetermined length in a very short time.
The protrusion length of the optical fiber 5 can be easily controlled by adjusting the driving time or the like.

According to the second embodiment, similarly to the first embodiment, the optical connector 1 and the dummy ferrule 1
Since the positioning means for the optical connector 1 and the dummy ferrule 13 is provided in a portion avoiding the butting area 3, the inner peripheral surface of the pin fitting hole 4 of the ferrule 2 is polished as in the above-mentioned proposal. Can be avoided, and the problem of an increase in light loss due to polishing of the inner peripheral surface of the pin fitting hole 4 can be prevented, and a very good PC connection of the optical fiber 5 can be obtained.

Hereinafter, a third embodiment will be described. In the description of the third embodiment, the same components as those of the above embodiments are denoted by the same reference numerals, and the description of the common portions will not be repeated.

FIG. 4 schematically shows a polishing apparatus for an optical connector connection end face according to the third embodiment. In the third embodiment, similarly to the second embodiment, the positioning means for the optical connector 1 and the dummy ferrule 13 is provided at a portion of the optical connector 1 where the ferrule 2 and the dummy ferrule 13 are not in contact with each other. The third embodiment is provided with a configuration in which the dummy ferrule 13 and the supporting means 22 of the dummy ferrule are integrally vibrated to polish the connection end surface 2a of the ferrule 2 of the optical connector 1. Is characterized in that a bush 41 shown in FIG. 4 is used in place of the sleeve 40 shown in the second embodiment.

That is, as shown in FIG. 4, a plurality of positioning pins 42 are formed in the edge region of the optical connector support means 14 so as to project downward so as to sandwich the support region of the optical connector 1. ing. The dummy ferrule support means 22 is formed with a positioning pin through hole 43 through which the tip of each of the positioning pins 42 is inserted, and a bush 41 is fitted into the positioning pin through hole 43. Although there are various types of bush such as a linear bush and an oilless bush, any bush may be used here, and description thereof will be omitted.

In the third embodiment, the distal end of the positioning pin 42 protruding from the optical connector supporting means 14 is inserted into the bush 41 of the dummy ferrule supporting means 22 so that the optical connector supporting means 14 and the dummy When the ferrule support means 22 is combined, the connection end face 2a of the ferrule 2 of the optical connector 1 supported by the optical connector support means 14 and the connection end face 13a of the dummy ferrule 13 supported by the dummy ferrule support means 22 are formed of an abrasive material. 17, the connection end face 5a of the optical fiber 5 of the optical connector 1 and the optical fiber insertion hole of the dummy ferrule 13 are aligned.

That is, in the third embodiment, the positioning pin 42, the positioning pin through hole 43 of the dummy ferrule support means 22, and the bush 41 constitute the positioning means for the optical connector 1 and the dummy ferrule 13. Have been.

In the polishing apparatus 11 according to the third embodiment, for example, the positioning pin 42, the positioning pin through hole 43 of the dummy ferrule support means 22, and the bush 41
Thus, the optical connector supporting means 14 and the dummy ferrule supporting means 22 are combined, so that the optical connector 1 to be polished and the dummy ferrule 13 abut against each other, and the connection end face 5a of the optical fiber 5 of the optical connector 1 and the dummy ferrule 13 The optical connector 1 and the dummy ferrule 13 are aligned with each other.
The polishing material 17 is supplied to the abutting area of the dummy ferrule support means 22, and the vibration means 12 is in contact with the bottom surface of the dummy ferrule support means 22, and the vibration means 12 applies ultrasonic waves to the dummy ferrule support means 22, for example. ,
Dummy ferrule support means 22 and dummy ferrule 13
Are integrally vibrated in the vertical direction in FIG. This allows
As in the above embodiments, only the connection end face 2a of the ferrule 2 is polished by the polishing material 17 so that the optical fiber 5
Is projected from the ferrule 2. During the polishing, the dummy ferrule support means 22 slides relative to the positioning pins 42.

According to the third embodiment, the connection end face 2a of the ferrule 2 of the optical connector 1 and the connection end face 13a of the dummy ferrule 13 are brought into contact with each other, as in the above-described embodiments. , 13a are caused to vibrate in a direction to change the distance between the ferrules 2a and 13a, and the connection end face 2a of the ferrule 2 is polished by the abrasive material 17, so that the connection end face 5a of the optical fiber 5 is hardly polished. Only the connection end face 2a can be polished. Thus, the optical fiber 5 can be protruded from the connection end face 2a of the ferrule 2 by a predetermined length in a very short time.

In the third embodiment, as in the above embodiments, the optical connector 1 is located at a position avoiding the area where the optical connector 1 and the dummy ferrule 13 meet.
And the positioning means for the dummy ferrule 13 can be provided, so that the situation in which the inner peripheral surface of the pin fitting hole 4 of the ferrule 2 is polished as in the proposed example can be avoided.
It is possible to prevent a problem of an increase in light loss caused by polishing the inner peripheral surface of the pin fitting hole 4, and to obtain a very good PC connection of the optical fiber 5.

It should be noted that the present invention is not limited to the above embodiments, but can adopt various embodiments. For example, in each of the above embodiments, the positioning pin 23 and the like are pins having a circular cross section.
As shown in the side view of the polishing apparatus 11 in FIG. 5A and the positioning pin 44 shown in FIG. 5B which is a bottom view of the polishing apparatus 11, the positioning pin has a triangular cross section, a rectangular cross section, or the like. It may have a polygonal shape.

In each of the above embodiments, two positioning pins are provided. However, by using three or more positioning pins, the optical connector supporting means 14 and the dummy ferrule supporting means 22 are combined to form an optical connector. The position of the connector 1 and the dummy ferrule 13 may be adjusted.

Further, in each of the above embodiments, the plurality of positioning pins for aligning the optical connector 1 and the dummy ferrule 13 by combining the optical connector support means 14 and the dummy ferrule support means 22 have the same shape. As shown in FIG. 5B, for example, one of the two positioning pins 44a and 44b
Has a quadrangular cross-section and the other positioning pin 44b has a triangular cross-section, using a plurality of positioning pins of different shapes, combining the optical connector support means 14 and the dummy ferrule support means 22, The optical connector 1 and the dummy ferrule 13 may be aligned.

Further, in each of the above embodiments, the spring 15
The optical connector supporting means 14 was pressed and held by the optical connector supporting means 1 as shown in FIG.
4 and the optical connector 16 with rubber 45 interposed therebetween.
5, the optical connector supporting means 14 may be pressed and held.

Further, in each of the above embodiments, the positioning of the optical connector 1 and the dummy ferrule 13 is performed by combining the optical connector supporting means 14 and the dummy ferrule supporting means 22 using the positioning pins. For example, as shown in the side view of the polishing apparatus 11 of FIG. 6A and the bottom view of FIG. 6B, the optical connector supporting means 14 is provided with a convex portion 46 to support the dummy ferrule. The means 22 is provided with a concave portion 47 in which the convex portion 46 is fitted, and the convex portion 46 and the concave portion 47 are fitted to each other, so that the optical connector supporting means 14 and the dummy ferrule supporting means 22 are combined to form the optical connector 1 and the optical connector 1. The position of the dummy ferrule 13 may be adjusted. In this case, the convex part 46 and the concave part 47 constitute a positioning means for the optical connector 1 and the dummy ferrule 13.

Further, in the first embodiment, the fixing screw 35 is used to integrate the optical connector support means 14 and the dummy ferrule support means 22. For example, FIGS. As shown in b), the optical connector supporting means 14 and the dummy ferrule supporting means 22 may be integrated with each other by a fastener 48.

Further, the connection end surface 2a of the ferrule 2 of the optical connector 1 shown in each of the above embodiments is a surface orthogonal to the optical axis of the optical fiber 5, but is shown in FIGS. 7 (a) and 7 (b). The present invention can be applied to such an optical connector 1. That is, the connection end face 2 a of the ferrule 2 of the optical connector 1 shown in FIGS. 7A and 7B is, for example, 8 ° with respect to the plane orthogonal to the optical axis of the optical fiber 5 and the optical axis of the optical fiber 5.
The connection end surface 2a having an inclined surface.
A connection end face 5a of the optical fiber 5 is formed so as to protrude therefrom. In such an optical connector 1, the optical fiber 5 is connected to the PC in a form as shown in FIG. 7B. FIG.
In the example shown in (b), the optical connector 1a is shown in a side view.
Further, the optical connectors 1b are each represented by a sectional view.

The connection end face 2 a of the ferrule 2 of the optical connector 1 is first formed on a surface having a surface orthogonal to the optical axis of the optical fiber 5 and a surface inclined with respect to the optical axis of the optical fiber 5. After being molded, similar to the above embodiments,
The connection end surface 2a of the ferrule 2 (in the example shown in FIGS. 7A and 7B, the surface inclined with respect to the optical axis of the optical fiber 5) is polished and the tip of the optical fiber 5 is cut from the connection end surface 2a. To protrude.

Further, the present invention can be applied to an optical connector 1 in which an optical fiber 5 is inserted with an inclination to a ferrule 2 as shown by a chain line in FIG. 9B.

Further, in each of the above embodiments, the polishing material 17 used for polishing the connection end face 2a of the ferrule 2 is used.
Is one type. However, for example, polishing may be performed in a plurality of stages according to the protruding length of the optical fiber 5, and the type of the abrasive 17 may be changed for each stage.

Further, in each of the above embodiments, the dummy ferrule 13 is used as the polishing auxiliary member, but the polishing auxiliary member is connected to the connection end surface 2a of the ferrule 2 to be polished.
The dummy ferrule 13 is not limited to a dummy ferrule 13 as long as it has a polishing auxiliary surface opposing the surface of the optical fiber 5 and has a recess in which the connection end surface 5a of the optical fiber 5 fits.

Further, in each of the above embodiments, the dummy ferrule 13 is vibrated by applying ultrasonic waves from the vibration means 12 to the dummy ferrule 13. For example, a vibrator is provided as the vibration means 12 and Vibration is applied to the dummy ferrule 13 so that the dummy ferrule 13
May be vibrated. In place of the vibration means 12, a means is provided for applying pressure to one or both of the optical connector 1 and the dummy ferrule 13 to change the distance between the connection end surfaces 2a, 13a of the optical connector 1 and the dummy ferrule 13 in a wide or narrow manner. The polishing of the connection end face 2a of the ferrule 2 by the abrasive 17 may be performed in the same manner as in the above embodiments.

Further, in each of the above embodiments, the dummy ferrule 13 is vibrated when the connection end face 2a of the ferrule 2 is polished. However, for example, the optical connector 1 may be vibrated, or the optical connector 1 may be vibrated. The connection end face 2a of the ferrule 2 may be polished by the abrasive 17 by vibrating both of the dummy ferrules 13 to change the distance between the optical connector 1 and the connection end faces 2a, 13a of the dummy ferrule 13 widely.

As described above, at least one of the dummy ferrule 13 and the optical connector 1 is connected to the dummy ferrule 1.
The means for relatively moving the distance between the end face 13a of the optical connector 3 and the connection end face 2a of the ferrule 2 of the optical connector 1 in the direction in which the width changes gradually is not limited to the above embodiments.

Further, as an application example of the present invention, the connection end face 2a of the ferrule 2 of the optical connector 1 as shown in FIG.
Can be polished. The optical connector 1 shown in FIG.
Is a Si or quartz substrate having a multi-core 50 formed therein, which is inserted into the ferrule 2, and the tip end of the ferrule 2 projects beyond the connection end face 2 a of the ferrule 2. As the polishing auxiliary member of the optical connector 1 as described above, a polishing auxiliary member having a concave portion into which the tip side of a Si or quartz substrate is formed is used. The polishing auxiliary member and the optical connector 1 shown in FIG. Is incorporated in the polishing apparatus shown in each of the above embodiments, and the connection end face 2a of the ferrule 2 is polished and the multi-core Si or quartz substrate is polished from the connection end face 2a in the same manner as in each of the above embodiments. The tip side can be protruded.

[0078]

According to the present invention, the position for aligning the connection end face of the optical fiber of the optical connector with the concave portion of the polishing auxiliary surface of the polishing auxiliary member by combining the optical connector supporting means and the polishing auxiliary member supporting means. Since the mating means is provided at a position avoiding the abutting region between the optical connector and the polishing auxiliary member, the problem of the proposed example, that is, the inner peripheral surface of the pin fitting hole of the ferrule of the optical connector is polished to remove the pin. It is possible to solve the problem that the fitting hole becomes large, which causes the optical fiber to be displaced when the optical fiber is connected to the PC, thereby increasing the optical loss,
A very good optical fiber PC connection can be obtained.

Further, the positioning means aligns the connection end face of the optical fiber of the optical connector with the concave portion of the polishing auxiliary surface of the polishing auxiliary member by combining the optical connector supporting means and the polishing auxiliary member supporting means, Thereafter, at least one of the optical connector and the polishing auxiliary member is relatively moved in a direction in which the distance between the connection end surface of the ferrule of the optical connector and the polishing auxiliary surface of the polishing auxiliary member changes widely, so that the connection end surface of the optical connector is made of an abrasive material. In the method of polishing an optical connector connection end surface in which the connection end surface of the optical fiber is protruded from the connection end surface by polishing, the light loss increase due to the inner peripheral surface polishing of the pin fitting hole of the ferrule as described above. You can avoid the problem, of course, in a very short time,
The distal end side of the optical fiber can be protruded from the connection end face of the ferrule by a predetermined protruding length.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is an explanatory view schematically showing a polishing apparatus for an optical connector connection end face according to a first embodiment;

FIG. 2 is an explanatory diagram showing a state in which the polishing apparatus shown in FIG. 1 is viewed from a bottom side.

FIG. 3 is an explanatory view schematically showing a polishing apparatus for an optical connector connection end face according to a second embodiment;

FIG. 4 is an explanatory view schematically showing a polishing apparatus for an optical connector connection end face according to a third embodiment;

FIG. 5 is an explanatory view showing another embodiment of the polishing apparatus for an optical connector connection end face according to the present invention.

FIG. 6 is an explanatory view showing another embodiment of the polishing apparatus for an optical connector connection end face according to the present invention.

FIG. 7 is an explanatory diagram showing another example of an optical connector for connecting to a PC.

FIG. 8 is an explanatory view showing another example of the optical connector.

FIG. 9 is an explanatory diagram illustrating an example of an optical connector.

FIG. 10 is an explanatory view showing an example of a polishing apparatus proposed by the present applicant.

FIG. 11 is an explanatory view showing a method of polishing a connection end surface of a ferrule of a conventional optical connector.

[Explanation of symbols]

 DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Optical connector 2 Ferrule 4 Pin fitting hole 5 Optical fiber 11 Polishing device 13 Dummy ferrule 14 Optical connector support means 17 Polishing material 22 Dummy ferrule support means

 ──────────────────────────────────────────────────続 き Continuing on the front page (72) Inventor Xu Jie 2-6-1 Marunouchi, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo Inside Furukawa Electric Co., Ltd. (72) Inventor Takashi Shigematsu 2-6-1 Marunouchi, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo F-term in Furukawa Electric Co., Ltd. (reference) 2H036 JA04 QA29

Claims (2)

[Claims] 1. A polishing apparatus for polishing a connection end face of a ferrule of an optical connector and projecting a connection end face side of an optical fiber inserted through the ferrule beyond a connection end face of the ferrule, the polishing apparatus supporting the optical connector. An optical connector supporting means; a polishing auxiliary member provided with a polishing auxiliary surface disposed opposite to a connection end face of a ferrule of the optical connector supported by the optical connector supporting means via an abrasive; and supporting the polishing auxiliary member. A polishing auxiliary member supporting means; and a polishing auxiliary surface of the polishing auxiliary member is formed with a recess in which a connection end surface side of the optical fiber is fitted at a position facing the connection end surface of the optical fiber of the optical connector, The optical connector supporting means and the polishing auxiliary member supporting means are combined to form a connection end face between the optical fiber of the optical connector and the concave portion of the polishing auxiliary surface of the polishing auxiliary member. Positioning means for performing positioning is provided in an area avoiding a butt area between the optical connector and the polishing auxiliary member, and the positioning means connects the optical connector supporting means and the polishing auxiliary member supporting means to the polishing auxiliary member. A polishing apparatus for an optical connector connection end face, characterized in that the polishing auxiliary face and the connection end face of the ferrule of the optical connector are combined so as to be relatively movable in a direction in which the distance changes. 2. A method for polishing an optical connector connection end face using the polishing apparatus for an optical connector connection end face according to claim 1, wherein the polishing means for the optical connector connection end face is aligned with the optical connector support means by a positioning means of the polishing apparatus. By combining the auxiliary member supporting means, the connection end face of the ferrule of the optical connector supported by the optical connector supporting means, and the polishing auxiliary surface of the polishing auxiliary member supported by the polishing auxiliary member supporting means, the abrasive material Align the connection end face of the optical fiber of the optical connector with the concave portion of the polishing auxiliary surface of the polishing auxiliary member, and then, at least one of the optical connector and the polishing auxiliary member is polished. The distance between the polishing auxiliary surface of the auxiliary member and the connection end surface of the ferrule of the optical connector is relatively moved in a direction in which the width changes gradually to change the connection end surface of the ferrule of the optical connector. A method of polishing an optical connector connection end face, wherein the end face of the optical fiber is protruded from the connection end face by polishing with an abrasive.